Monday, January 9, 2012

US Army PAO: 'my heart on paper…'

Public Affairs Officers are one of the most important links between the mission in the sandbox, and the public back home. Often much maligned, they share the news, the stories of what our amazing men and women in harm's way do; stories that the msm rarely sees fit to publish.

Flash Back…

I decided to re-run this story. I wrote it when I was in Afghanistan. It was my heart on paper… or in 1′s and 0′s so to speak. I like to reach back in the past from time to time to refocus my motivations. Some times I amaze myself, other times, maybe a little embarrassed. This story has inspired me once again. I hope you enjoy it as well.

[...slides here that I have NO idea how to load...]

Working in public affairs has its days

by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ashlee Lolkus

I am a United States Army public affairs Soldier. I write. I escort. Many things come along with the job. We “tell the army story,” as it’s said. Whether that be the story of the POTUS coming to base or on foot patrols with the infantry, every story should be told. The American public needs to know where their hard earned tax money is going, who it’s protecting, or how it’s helping. [ Yes, my emphais] I sit here this evening, after being in country for over a month. It’s really nothing in the grand scheme of things, but I’m perplexed. No. I’m frustrated. I’m frustrated that there are not enough hours in the day to do the things I want to do: The things I want to do for my job, and the things I want to do for myself.

I had a conversation with one of my attached Soldiers today....

This is a great column, as it gives insights into why our Troops do what they do. Go here to read the rest.

Thanks to Red Bull Rising for sharing this story which I would otherwise have missed.